Leaf fire spreads in Genoa on Tuesday morning

GENOA – Several area departments responded Tuesday morning to a fire that started as a controlled burn and spread to multiple areas of a resident’s yard on Baseline Road.

Sgt. Ryan Braden with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office said a resident of 13570 Baseline Road began burning leaves in the front yard of the property when strong winds spread the burn to a wood pile, landscaping and the back yard.

Ryan Stoffregen, Genoa-Kingston’s assistant chief, said there were multiple fires near structures like the house and nearby sheds, and firefighters doused smoldering piles with water. Emergency crews were called about 11:15 a.m.

A portion of Baseline Road was closed as firefighters from Genoa-Kingston, Kirkland, Sycamore, DeKalb and Hampshire responded. No one was injured.

“Basically, we had a very quick response ... and it could have been a lot worse,” Stoffregen said.

Sheriff Roger Scott said leaf burning is allowed within the county, unless a municipality has an ordinance prohibiting it.

All burning should be supervised, he said. If a large burn is planned, a local fire department should be notified ahead of time.

Those planning to burn leaves or brush should pay attention to weather conditions. On days when there’s a strong breeze or high winds, fire is not a safe option and burning should be put on hold, Scott said.